The forecast says 30°F tonight. Your pool water is still well above freezing, but the pump, filter and the pipes above ground aren't. Those are what you need to protect on a Las Vegas freeze night.
Our winter pool care guide covers the whole season. This post is only about the cold nights: what freezing does to your equipment, a simple checklist for the evening before, and what not to do.
How Often Does Las Vegas Freeze?
Not often, but every winter. NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for Harry Reid International Airport show an average of 9.8 days a year with a low at or below 32°F. Most of them come in December (4.6) and January (3.3), with a few in February (1.1) and November (0.7).
That's the airport reading. Backyards in other parts of the valley can run colder on clear, calm nights, so watch your own forecast. The National Weather Service in Las Vegas issues freeze warnings when a hard freeze is expected.
What a Freeze Can Do to Your Equipment
The pool itself holds a lot of water and cools slowly. A single cold night rarely freezes it. The risk is in the small amounts of water sitting still in your equipment:
- Above-ground pipes and valves at the equipment pad.
- The pump, filter and heater, which hold water inside them.
- Raised spas, waterfalls and water features, which often have longer runs of exposed pipe.
- Solar heating panels on the roof.
- The autofill line and hose bibs that feed the pool.
Water expands when it freezes. In a pipe, a pump housing or a filter tank, that can mean a crack you only find when it starts to leak.
The Evening Before a Freeze: Checklist
- Check the forecast for your area, not just the Strip.
- Turn on or check freeze protection. Many automation systems and some variable-speed pumps have a freeze setting that starts the pump when the air gets near freezing. It's easy to switch off during summer and forget. Check that it's on before the first cold night.
- No freeze protection? Run the pump overnight. Keep water moving through the coldest hours, usually late night to sunrise. Moving water is much less likely to freeze. Not sure how to set your timer? Ask your pool tech.
- Empty the skimmer and pump baskets so nothing blocks flow while it runs.
- Keep the water level normal. The skimmer needs water to keep the pump fed.
- Cover exposed pipes and the autofill valve with foam pipe insulation or an insulated cover.
- Run water features and the spa line too, or check that freeze protection cycles through them.
- Follow your solar panel maker's freeze instructions. Many systems need to be drained or set to drain.
What Not to Do
- Don't turn the pump off on a freeze night to save power. Still water in the pipes is what freezes.
- Don't drain or lower the pool. The water helps protect the shell, and the skimmer needs it.
- Don't pour hot water on frozen pipes or equipment. Let them thaw as the day warms up.
- Don't run the pump if it's iced up or won't prime. Turn it off, let it thaw and check for damage.
- Don't assume freeze protection works without power. If the power goes out on a freezing night, nothing will run.
The Morning After
Once it warms up, take a quick look at the equipment pad. Check for cracks, drips or wet spots, a pump that sounds different or won't prime, and filter pressure that looks off. Anything leaking or not starting? Leave it off and call (702) 626-4970.
Want Someone Watching the Cold Nights?
With weekly pool service, a CPO®-certified tech checks your equipment, timer and freeze settings on every visit. It starts from $150/month, all chemicals included.
Common Questions
Does it really freeze in Las Vegas?
Yes, but not often. NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for Harry Reid International Airport show an average of 9.8 days a year with a low at or below 32°F, mostly in December and January. Your backyard can run colder than the airport reading.
Should I run my pool pump all night when it's freezing?
On nights when a freeze is forecast, keep water moving through the pump, filter and pipes overnight. Moving water is much less likely to freeze. If your system has freeze protection, check that it's turned on. If it doesn't, run the pump through the coldest hours or ask your pool tech how to set it.
What is freeze protection on a pool system?
Many pool automation systems and some variable-speed pumps have a freeze protection setting. It starts the pump automatically when the air temperature drops near freezing. The trigger point and settings vary by brand, so check your manual or ask your pool tech.
Do I need to winterize or close my pool in Las Vegas?
Most Las Vegas pools stay open all winter. Instead of closing the pool, keep the water circulating and have a plan for freeze nights. Talk with a pool professional about what makes sense for your pool and equipment.
What should I do if my pool equipment froze?
Turn the equipment off and let it thaw on its own as the day warms up. Don't pour hot water on pipes or equipment. Once it has thawed, look for cracks, leaks or a pump that won't prime. If you see any of those, leave it off and call a pro.
Questions before the next cold night?
Call (702) 626-4970 · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Sat 8am–3pm
Serving pools in Henderson, Summerlin, Green Valley, Anthem, Seven Hills and Silverado Ranch.
